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Braves and Dodgers Set to Clash in 2026 NLDS
Developing
In Short: The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers will meet in the 2026 National League Division Series, marking the sixth playoff matchup between the two franchises since the 1990s.
In 1996, the Braves swept the Dodgers in the NLDS, winning three games to none.
John Smoltz, a key pitcher for the Braves, threw a dominant nine-inning performance in Game 1 of the 1996 NLDS, though the game required extra innings.
Freddie Freeman, a star first baseman, has played for and won a World Series with both teams, highlighting the shared history between the Braves and Dodgers.
The upcoming series will see the Dodgers holding home-field advantage, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense matchup.
The Padres, who clinched the top wild-card spot, are also in the postseason, but their recent history with the Dodgers is a point of contention.
The Padres were eliminated by the Dodgers in 2024, a memory that still lingers as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs.
Padres second baseman Nico Hoerner noted the electric atmosphere at Dodger Stadium, calling it a challenging but fun environment.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the Padres' strong bullpen, noting the addition of Bradgley Rodriguez as a formidable opponent.
The Padres' recent success, winning 17 of their last 20 games, positions them as a formidable opponent in the postseason.
Despite the Padres' recent achievements, their playoff history remains a mix of success and disappointment, with two previous appearances in the NLCS.
The upcoming series between the Braves and Dodgers will be a continuation of their storied rivalry, with both teams looking to secure a spot in the next round.
What this adds
The 2026 NLDS will be the first playoff meeting between the Braves and Dodgers since 2024.
The Padres' recent playoff history with the Dodgers adds an additional layer of intrigue to the upcoming postseason.
What's still developing
- John Smoltz surrendered just one run and six baserunners (four hits and two walks) over nine innings pitched for the Braves in Game 1, which required extra innings.
- Granted, the Braves blew a 2-0 series lead to the New York Yankees in the World Series.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves have a couple of things in common over the last 30 years.
- Meanwhile, a recurring theme is the two teams being good at the same time and meeting in the postseason.
- On that note, the Braves and Dodgers will face off in the 2026 National League Division Series starting with Game 1 on Saturday, with Los Angeles having home-field advantage in the series.
- This will be the sixth playoff matchup between the two franchises, with four of the five finished series coming since the decade of the 2010s.
- Here's how the Braves and Dodgers' five playoff series have fared: Coming off winning the 1995 World Series, the Braves were a well-oiled machine in 1996, and the Dodgers were just an object in their way.
- While Los Angeles held Atlanta to just 10 runs in the 1996 NLDS, the Braves held the Dodgers to half that amount in what was a three-game sweep.
- However, the Braves would need to flip the script in the later innings, and a pair of solo home runs in the top of the seventh from star first baseman Fred McGriff and right fielder Jermaine Dye did just that, as Atlanta would win, 3-2.
- The Braves closed out the series on their home field, with left-hander Tom Glavine surrendering just one run over 6 ⅓ innings in a 5-2 victory.
- Well, here they are meeting again, and, oh, how so much has changed.
- The Padres these days just so happen to be the hottest team in baseball, winning 17 of their last 20 games, to not only storm into the postseason, but clinch the top wild-card spot, hosting the Cubs in the best-of-three wild-card series.